Probably a fairer comparison to the SM5 is the SM3. They made these guys in pairs, so the SM3 was the simpler model and the SM4 was the more complicated one, with the keyset tabulator. The SM5 resembles the SM3, and there's an SM6 that resembles the SM4 -- I think, although I don't remember whether I've seen one. Then the SM7 is the first with the new body style.
Why didn't they put model designations ON the typewriters?
Anyway, congrats on a nice machine. It's so gratifying when the platen has survived in good condition.
1963 would place the manufacture of this SM5 concurrent with the SM7 I just found at Deseret. I've never seen or heard of an SM6, so I wonder if the SM5/SM7 were the updated versions of the SM3/SM4 (and the later SM8/SM9), and they just skipped the SM6 designation entirely. My SM7 has all the fancy features of the SM4 and SM9 (minus the basket shift), so it sort of makes sense. It looks like they share the same key style, but it's odd that the shells would be so different.
Great desk! Very nice SM5, but strange that it lacks the bells and whistles of earlier models. That SG1 looks indestructible, too. Nice Tissot, Ken! Interesting hands on that one. Congrats!
The SM-5 is a curious beast. I've played with one in an antique mall and didn't quite get the concept, either. The color looks pretty similar to the Socialite from the same era.
Congrats on organising yourself such a gorgeous and functional workspace- long may it remain relatively uncluttered!! What a good find too; a mint condition typewriter is something I've been on the look out for actually. Like you said, something that looks, smells and types like it's brand new.... (*protracted whistful exhale*) - Frodo
nice desk and interesting featured items. Love the watch - I'm looking hard for a combination of style and price and not having much luck. SM5 does seem a little strange and as you say a step backward. interesting though, and always nice to get one in good shape.
Hi Ken, I rather love your work area. It feels very... archaic in a way, with the radio, the clock, the wooden doors for the table, your typewriter of course. It makes everything rather warm because of all that. And I do see that you're hard at work on a letter. Lots of stationery to go around it seems. :) That's how I am too, I have a stack of paper to my left while I'm responding to letters. The watch looks very nice as well and fits in with everything. I'm glad for you.
Hey! You have a lean-to desk like mine. I upcycled a surplus length of oak kitchen worktop with a wall batten and a pair of bolt-on steel legs. What it lacks in length it makes up for in rigidity. I have been tempted by an SM5 or two also. That bodyshape in a gloss finish is wonderful. I have an SF in the same finish and with the same browning effect. I sort of regret trying to clean it and I'm glad to see you haven't bothered. By the time the tarnish starts to lift, the paint finish is about shot. Ah well...
Really trends are changing. But some trends never go old. Also sometimes the old fashion and trends are back with some modifications.Tissot watches are really fabulous.
Your desk is nice! It's impossible to see these were two doors. Looks like floor boards to me.
ReplyDeleteI don't get hot or cold from watches, kinda all the same for me. Cool thought that this one is that old and still working! Mechanics++
Very nice new stuff!
ReplyDeleteProbably a fairer comparison to the SM5 is the SM3. They made these guys in pairs, so the SM3 was the simpler model and the SM4 was the more complicated one, with the keyset tabulator. The SM5 resembles the SM3, and there's an SM6 that resembles the SM4 -- I think, although I don't remember whether I've seen one. Then the SM7 is the first with the new body style.
Why didn't they put model designations ON the typewriters?
Anyway, congrats on a nice machine. It's so gratifying when the platen has survived in good condition.
I have one at least that has model designation, an SM2, printed on the back.
Delete1963 would place the manufacture of this SM5 concurrent with the SM7 I just found at Deseret. I've never seen or heard of an SM6, so I wonder if the SM5/SM7 were the updated versions of the SM3/SM4 (and the later SM8/SM9), and they just skipped the SM6 designation entirely. My SM7 has all the fancy features of the SM4 and SM9 (minus the basket shift), so it sort of makes sense. It looks like they share the same key style, but it's odd that the shells would be so different.
ReplyDeleteTed's theory seems plausible. I'd like to find some company documentation that would explain this all definitively!
DeleteGreat desk!
ReplyDeleteVery nice SM5, but strange that it lacks the bells and whistles of earlier models. That SG1 looks indestructible, too.
Nice Tissot, Ken! Interesting hands on that one. Congrats!
What a pristine, mean machine! Looks great even with the fewer bells and whistles.
ReplyDeleteHeck, it's an Olympia. Doesn't get much better than that.
Nice looking desk set up! Has an atmospheric vintage touch. I am glad you are writing letters on it! ;)
Congratulations on all the new typewriters, especially that wonderful SM5? Quite a nice office. Your chair looks very comfy.
ReplyDeleteTissot watches are great watches. I do not collect old ones (except for a few pocket watches). I only use the newer ones.
Nice workspace! The SG looks right at home.
ReplyDeleteThe SM-5 is a curious beast. I've played with one in an antique mall and didn't quite get the concept, either. The color looks pretty similar to the Socialite from the same era.
Congrats on organising yourself such a gorgeous and functional workspace- long may it remain relatively uncluttered!! What a good find too; a mint condition typewriter is something I've been on the look out for actually. Like you said, something that looks, smells and types like it's brand new.... (*protracted whistful exhale*) - Frodo
ReplyDeletenice desk and interesting featured items. Love the watch - I'm looking hard for a combination of style and price and not having much luck. SM5 does seem a little strange and as you say a step backward. interesting though, and always nice to get one in good shape.
ReplyDeleteHi Ken, I rather love your work area. It feels very... archaic in a way, with the radio, the clock, the wooden doors for the table, your typewriter of course. It makes everything rather warm because of all that. And I do see that you're hard at work on a letter. Lots of stationery to go around it seems. :) That's how I am too, I have a stack of paper to my left while I'm responding to letters. The watch looks very nice as well and fits in with everything. I'm glad for you.
ReplyDeleteHey! You have a lean-to desk like mine. I upcycled a surplus length of oak kitchen worktop with a wall batten and a pair of bolt-on steel legs. What it lacks in length it makes up for in rigidity. I have been tempted by an SM5 or two also. That bodyshape in a gloss finish is wonderful. I have an SF in the same finish and with the same browning effect. I sort of regret trying to clean it and I'm glad to see you haven't bothered. By the time the tarnish starts to lift, the paint finish is about shot. Ah well...
ReplyDeleteReally trends are changing. But some trends never go old. Also sometimes the old fashion and trends are back with some modifications.Tissot watches are really fabulous.
ReplyDelete